1

Professional Artist Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Apparel Production Artist

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$33.60 - $37.33/hr

Aug 31, 2026 Production Artist - Apparel Location: Portland, OR Work Arrangement: Hybrid - onsite ... Professional experience in graphic design and apparel production. * Strong proficiency with Adobe ...

Be Seen First

Graphic Designer 2/Production Artist II Reference ID: 26-04304 Location: Beaverton, OR. Duration ... l Staffing firm to Fortune 500 and State/Local Government Agencies.

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Specialty Artist - MAC is responsible for maximizing sales in the MAC ... This position requires professional caliber makeup artistry skills, exceptional guest service, and ...

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Specialty Artist - MAC is responsible for maximizing sales in the MAC ... This position requires professional caliber makeup artistry skills, exceptional guest service, and ...

GENERAL SUMMARY & SCOPE The Specialty Artist - MAC is responsible for maximizing sales in the MAC ... This position requires professional caliber makeup artistry skills, exceptional guest service, and ...

Promote the Music & Arts lesson program * Create business by networking with teachers/schools, churches, and community organizations * Develop customer relationships and provide compelling sales ...

Life Model

Portland, OR · On-site

$20.81/hr

As a Life Model, you will provide dynamic and inspiring poses for art students and professional artists. Your role will be pivotal in the creative process, offering a range of poses to support ...

Artistic Director

Portland, OR

$128K - $134K/yr

The Artistic Director is responsible for conceiving, developing, and implementing the artistic ... Professional directing experience Experience devising and collaborating on new original works ...

Artistic Director

Portland, OR

$128K - $134K/yr

The Artistic Director is responsible for conceiving, developing, and implementing the artistic ... Professional directing experience Experience devising and collaborating on new original works ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Professional Artist information

See Oregon salary details

$9

$26

$42

How much do professional artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional artist in Oregon is $26.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $29.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional artist?

Professional artists are individuals who create visual, performance, or digital art as their main occupation or source of income. They may work in various media, including painting, sculpture, photography, illustration, or digital design. Professional artists often exhibit their work in galleries, sell pieces to collectors, or take on commissions. They might also collaborate with businesses, publishers, or organizations to create custom works. In addition to creating art, many professional artists engage in activities such as teaching, curating, or participating in public art projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional artist?

To thrive as a Professional Artist, strong drawing or painting ability, creativity, and a solid understanding of art theory and techniques—often supported by a degree in fine arts—are essential. Familiarity with digital art software like Adobe Creative Suite, as well as traditional media and portfolio management platforms, is highly valuable. Standout soft skills include self-motivation, adaptability, and effective communication to market work and collaborate with clients or galleries. These skills are important for producing compelling art, building a recognizable brand, and achieving sustainable success in a competitive industry.

What are some common challenges professional artists face when working with clients on commissioned projects?

Professional artists often encounter challenges such as aligning their creative vision with a client's expectations, managing timelines, and navigating feedback or revision requests. Clear communication at the outset is crucial to ensure that both parties understand the project goals and deliverables. Additionally, artists must balance their artistic integrity with the need to adapt their style or process to meet client needs, all while adhering to deadlines and maintaining a positive working relationship.

What is the difference between Professional Artist vs Graphic Designer?

AspectProfessional ArtistGraphic Designer
CredentialsArt degrees, portfolios, artistic certificationsDesign degrees, software proficiency, portfolios
Work EnvironmentArt studios, galleries, freelanceAdvertising agencies, corporate offices, freelance
Industry UsageFine arts, exhibitions, commissionsMarketing, branding, digital media

While both Professional Artists and Graphic Designers create visual content, Professional Artists focus on fine arts, personal expression, and exhibitions, often working independently or in galleries. Graphic Designers primarily develop visual solutions for brands, marketing, and digital media, often working within corporate or agency settings. Both roles require strong artistic skills and portfolios but differ in purpose, environment, and industry focus.

How much money does a professional artist make?

The average annual salary for a professional artist varies widely depending on experience, location, and specialization, typically ranging from $30,000 to $80,000. Successful artists who sell their work independently or work in commercial fields like illustration or design can earn higher incomes, especially with a strong portfolio and client base.

What does a professional artist do?

A professional artist creates visual works such as paintings, sculptures, illustrations, or digital art for clients, galleries, or commercial projects. They often develop a portfolio, use tools like brushes or digital software, and may work independently or for organizations to produce art that communicates ideas or evokes emotion.

What kind of job can you get as a professional artist?

A professional artist can work in various fields such as fine arts, illustration, graphic design, animation, and commercial art. They may find employment with art galleries, advertising agencies, media companies, or as freelance creators, often requiring skills in digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Job roles can include painter, illustrator, concept artist, art director, or muralist.

What are the most commonly searched types of Artist jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Artist jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Professional Artist jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Professional Artist job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Artist job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,199 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Temporary

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

About the Role:

As an Artist Model, you will play a crucial role in the educational services sector by providing a live reference for students in the arts. Your primary responsibility will be to pose for artists, helping them to develop their skills in figure drawing, painting, and sculpture. This position requires a strong understanding of body positioning and the ability to hold poses for extended periods, which will enhance the learning experience for aspiring artists. You will collaborate closely with instructors and students to create a conducive environment for artistic expression and learning. Ultimately, your contribution will help foster creativity and skill development in the next generation of artists.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ability to hold poses for extended periods of time.
  • Strong understanding of body anatomy and proportions.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous experience as a model for artists or in a similar role.
  • Basic knowledge of art techniques and terminology.

Responsibilities:

  • Pose for artists in various positions and settings, ensuring a range of body angles and expressions.
  • Maintain poses for extended periods while remaining still and focused, allowing artists to capture accurate representations.
  • Communicate effectively with instructors and students to understand their specific needs and preferences for poses.
  • Participate in feedback sessions to improve the modeling experience and assist in the educational process.
  • Ensure a professional and respectful atmosphere during modeling sessions, promoting a positive learning environment.

Skills:

The ability to hold poses is essential for this role, as it directly impacts the quality of the artwork produced by students. Understanding body anatomy and proportions will help you position yourself in ways that are most beneficial for artists. Communication skills are vital, as you will need to interact with instructors and students to ensure their artistic needs are met. Previous experience in modeling can enhance your effectiveness, allowing you to anticipate the needs of artists better. Additionally, a basic knowledge of art techniques will enable you to engage more meaningfully with the artistic process and contribute to a richer learning experience.